Some people might disagree with my statement that the trail around Burnaby Lake is the city’s best.
But that’s how I see it. I grew up a short bike ride away and did that trail more times than I can remember when I was a kid.
Sadly, I can’t do the trail right now. That’s because it’s pretty much impossible to maintain physical distance there. Metro Vancouver, which runs the Burnaby Lake park has put up signs, but few seem to be listening. Most that I saw recently aren’t wearing masks and aren’t paying attention to people coming the other way.
It’s as though people think when you’re outdoors the rules on COVID-19 no longer apply. So I got 10 minutes into my walk on the trail at Burnaby and then turned back and went to my car.
The City of Burnaby has made Deer Lake’s trail go in a one-way direction so people aren’t passing you. As I’ve written before, some are not following this, but I applaud the city for its decision.
The problem with the trail around Burnaby Lake’s trail is that if you make it one way then you have to do the entire lake and it’s way longer than going around Deer Lake.
So I don’t see Metro Vancouver making this one way and that’s too bad. Maybe if trail users were more responsible then it wouldn’t be an issue.
As for outdoor spaces in Burnaby, the city announced recently that it is set to start reopening a number of city-owned outdoor facilities in a limited capacity.
The following facilities will be progressively reopened:
- Boat launches (docks) at Deer Lake, Burnaby Fraser Foreshore and Barnet Marine Park. Physical distancing must be observed, on and off the water
- Public washrooms
- Sports fields for casual play only. Games and organized sports are not allowed
- Tennis and pickleball courts for casual play, singles matches only (see specific rules below)
- Sports courts (badminton, bocce, horseshoe, table tennis, tetherball, volleyball)
- Skate parks
- Disc golf course at Robert Burnaby Park
- Mountain Air Bike Skills Park and Taylor Park Bike Park
- Track at Swangard Stadium
City staff will be posting guidelines and signage, and monitoring usage to ensure the risk to public health remains low.
And remember, the city will be watching what you do.
"Residents are reminded to follow all protocols and guidelines on signage posted at these facilities," said a news release. "Failure to follow rules may result in facilities being closed. Users should limit their time using these facilities when they are busy. Those who feel unwell should not visit our parks and outdoor facilities."
